Here’s Why Delta Is Snubbing Boeing for Airbus

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) chose to make an order for $5.6 billion worth of Airbus jets, choosing Airbus over Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) for the first time in 20 years, according to a report from Reuters.

Delta ordered 10 A330-300 wide-body planes for international routes and 30 A321′s, which are smaller and used for domestic flights. Though the list price for the aircrafts is $5.6 billion, Reuters reported that Delta will probably get a huge discount since the airline held out to try and snag lower prices, knowing that the European Airbus has been looking to move into Boeing’s territory.

One aviation analyst said to Reuters, “I would be surprised if Delta didn’t get a phenomenally good deal.” Airbus sales chief John Leahy, on the other hand, told the publication in a phone interview: “This was a competitive price, but I don’t believe it was any different from normal. We don’t talk about detailed pricing.”